Tutorial for Arrow Variation 005 – Rectangle/Arrow Fragments

Using Arrow Variations

Arrow variations are series of more specialized flow concepts, used either to illustrate a precise message or to add emphasis and interest to the page.

Use this series to show large text fields feeding into a central point. These are suggestions of arrows and more subtle than other arrow variations and flows. Using this type of framework makes the central point much more prominent because it does not have to fight for attention among lots of other graphic elements.

Once you have identified the best-suited PowerFramework arrow variation, download it to a specific location on your computer so you'll be able to find it (the desktop is always a good choice).

Customizing your PowerFrameworks Arrow Variations

Adjust size

Group the elements of this PowerFramework and resize all at once by scaling (hold the shift key down as you rescale the group). You need to do this scaling process so that the arrow parts of the framework maintain a consistent look - this is important.

Color variations

Since these are pieces of arrows, it advisable to select a line color and weight but not add a fill.

3D variations

A 3D effect may be used on the lines to add dimension. Be sure to select a depth below 12 points or so, or the arrows will fill in and become indistinct. Be careful using the 3D feature, as less is more in this case.

Shadows

A shadow effect may be used on the lines to add interest and volume.

Gradients, patterns, and pictures

To add fill color, add it as a gradient. This PowerFamework was filled by selecting each arrow individually and formatting it as a fill effect. Take the top arrow, for example: it was formatted by selecting the top arrow, clicking the downward-pointing arrow next to the fill bucket, and selecting fill effects. In the fill effects menu, clicking the radio button for two colors and then selecting gray in Color 1 and selecting white for Color 2. Next, in the transparency section, selecting from 0% and to 100%. Last, select the horizontal shading choice in the top right corner. You will have to repeat this for each arrow individually, as the arrows pointing in from the sides require a vertical gradient pattern and the direction of the gradient is specific to each element.

Animations

To animate this type of PowerFramework, either start or end with the center text (the area to which the arrows are pointing) and then reveal each of the arrows separately, clockwise is always good in situations like this.